Second Half Goal Sends Lancers to the Championship

Worcester, MA- After receiving the first round bye after finishing at the top of the conference, the Worcester State Lancers welcome Framingham State to Coughlin Field for the MASCAC Semifinals. Framingham advanced past Salem State in penalty kicks on Wednesday night to upset the fourth seed Vikings.

Final

Framingham State: 0

Worcester State: 1

How it Happened:

Tonight's game started out with both teams trying to make an early statement as well as conserving their energy for the tough game to come. Framingham was awarded two early corners, off which Worcester built counter attacks off, shifting the game from side to side. Neither team was able to complete a real attack, making this first half a contest of possession, counter-attacks and defensive performance. The half ended with more fast paced back and forth leading to nail-biting moments as well as a free kick chance by Framingham for which Lancers goalkeeper Ella Gumienny (Douglas,MA) had to make a quick save for. 

The second half started out with more of the same as both teams were able to possess and move the ball and perform solidly on defense. Throughout the middle of the half, while still two-sided, most of the game was being played by the Lancers in Rams territory, but the Rams defense was a force that was unwilling to leave a gap. Multiple free-kicks and chances were created, giving the game a sense of even more urgency. Both teams showed their desire to win and were not going to give the other team an easy chance. However, with 10 minutes left to play, a combination pass on top of the 18-yard box gave Lancers Annya O'Rourke (West Boylston, MA) the chance to let one fly on net after a back pass dish from junior Ava Lemanski (Clinton, MA). O'Rourke settled the dish and did not hesitate and buried it in the bottom left corner, putting her team up 1-0 at a crucial point in the game. After getting stunned by the late goal, the Rams gave everything they had and threw everything at the Lancers but  Worcester State defense persisted and held off the Rams surge. 

Gumienny finished the night with three saves in the shutout while the Rams' first year Amelia Finley (Plymouth, MA)  would record six saves. 

What's Next:

Worcester State will now host the winner of the Westfield vs Bridgewater match at 12pm on Sunday.